DETROIT . . . Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington was recently named “Team Captain” of CATCH, the children’s charity founded by former Detroit Tigers Manager and Hall of Famer Sparky Anderson
As part of his responsibilities, Harrington will serve as a team spokesman for the charity, visit hospitalized children and provide support to CATCH’s major fund-raising activities.
“The Detroit Lions have been a generous and long-time supporter of CATCH since it was founded 18 years ago,” said CATCH Executive Director Jim Hughes. “We’re thrilled to have Joey on our team and we look forward to a working with him in advancing the mission of CATCH.”
CATCH is a children’s charity that was founded by Sparky Anderson in 1987 when he was managing the Detroit Tigers. CATCH raises funds for items and services that improve the quality of life of sick, injured and needy pediatric patients who receive care from Children’s Hospital and Henry Ford Hospital.
Included is the CATCH Pediatric Mobile Health Programs that provide basic health services for Detroit children who experience barriers to accessing health care. Additionally, funds are used to build a board-designated endowment fund to continue and increase the support of children’s special needs.
Since inception, CATCH has provided nearly $3 million for social service items and services including the mobile health programs, wheelchair ramps, computerized communicators, adaptive bicycles and tricycles, emergency funding for utilities and post-discharge medication, temporary housing and shelter, special transportation needs and miscellaneous funeral expenses.
Each year, CATCH raises funds through a series of special events, including its popular CATCH Golf Classic in July and the CATCH Night of Champions dinner in October. This year’s Night of Champions will take place on Wednesday, October 19, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn.
For more information on CATCH, call (313) 876-9399, or visit www.catchcharity.org